Naga City, Sept. 7, 2006 – Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) launched the tenth Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) in the Philippines today. A partnership with the World Bank Office in Manila, the AdNU-KDC offers the people of Bikol a venue to discuss development issues. The launch was attended by key people in government, the academe, and civil society in the region.

The KDC is a user-friendly, easily accessible learning center that is open to the public. It serves as a venue for stimulating discussion and dialogue on development issues. Government policy makers, the private sector, NGOs, development agencies, students, media, and the academe have access to a wealth of resources and information at the KDC.

AdNU President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. said, “Knowledge is power. With the World Bank and AdNU joining hands to make knowledge available to the Bikolano people who seek for better their lives—not only for a day or two but for the long haul—greater hope for better things for this region is possible. Certainly, in our vision to be a University in the World—one that deliberately opts to be involved with the pain and suffering of the poor, the homeless, the powerless, and those deprived of basic services and a chance to a good education—we have found a solid partner in the World Bank through this KDC.”

World Bank Country Director Joachim von Amsberg said, “The World Bank is honored to be a partner of Ateneo, the premier institution of learning in Bikol, and the city of Naga, the model city in the region. Together, we hope to offer to Naga a venue where people can discuss governance, economic development, water and sanitation, infrastructure, and other development issues. Here at the KDC is information free for all.”

Citing the information and communication infrastructure in Naga, Mr. von Amsberg said, “Through the KDC, let us connect Naga with the rest of the Philippines and the world using videoconferencing, the Internet, and books. Use the KDC as a platform for finding and sharing islands of good governance or best practices in Bikol. Use it to stir discussion and encourage people participation in community development.”

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, who shares Ateneo’s and World Bank’s enthusiasm to add to the development experience and stock of knowledge in Naga, said, “The KDC is a big boost to our city development strategy, where we want to engage the people of Naga in developing an urban policy framework and appropriate strategies for supporting investments and economic growth. Central to this strategy are good governance, partnership, and knowledge management—areas where the KDC can help by making information and experiences available to the people, for free. Truly, informed discussions can lead to informed decisions.” Naga City is one of more than 30 cities in the country that are implementing poverty-focused city development strategies. Other model cities are Marikina, Tuguegarao, and Dumaguete.

Housed at the ground floor of AdNU’s James O’Brien Library, the AdNU-KDC offers the following services for free:

o Participation in forums, discussions, and programs on development issues;
o Access to development-related publications by well-known academic and development institutions;
o Room use and online access to WB project documents, publications, and reports;
o Internet access to development and research sites;
o Room use of a special collection of CDs and videotapes on development issues;
o Online access to the Global Jolis catalogue system that allows users to download some of the collections of around 60 World Bank Public Information Centers around the world;
o Online access to the World Bank’s e-Library, a subscription-based portal of over 3,000 World Bank publications and research papers;
o Copies of selected World Bank publications in the Philippines.

Other KDCs are located in Mindanao (partnerships with the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao, the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga, and the Notre Dame University in Cotabato), the Visayas (partnerships with Silliman University in Dumaguete City and University of San Carlos in Cebu City), and in Luzon (partnership with the Saint Paul University in Tuguegarao, Asian Institute of Management in Makati, Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa, and at the World Bank Office in Pasig).